Big Read book looks at family during WWII

"Did you like the ending?"

If you know why that's a topical question in Lisle these days, then you're most likely in the loop about the library's The Big Read 2008 selection.

"Dream When You're Feeling Blue," by best-selling author Elizabeth Berg, has patrons of 10 area libraries, including Lisle's, discussing details of her novel and its interesting ending.

The Big Read is designed to connect people through literature by encouraging everyone to read the same book and attend some of the numerous library programs associated with the effort.

"(Participating libraries) have something scheduled almost every day," said Rhonda Snelson, Lisle Library's representative on The Big Read committee.

The comprehensive schedule and libraries' addresses are listed in the 2008 resource guide available at the libraries.

Berg's novel centers on depression-weary Americans during World War II. As military and political events make headlines, the home front mobilizes for war.

We meet the eight members of the Heaney family, who forgo many things for the "boys over there." It is a story of love, war and family.

The family consists of Margaret and Frank Heaney and their three daughters, Kitty, Louisa and Tish, and three sons, Billy, Tommy and Benjamin, nicknamed "Binks."

"I read many books on World War II, but I also paid a lot of attention to what was in magazines at the time," said Berg, an Oak Park author.

"Magazine coverage was quite extraordinary, and quite specific to individuals. I also watched movies and documentaries, but woman's magazines were the most helpful."

Of the characters in the book, Berg said the father resonated the most with her because he was modeled after her grandfather.

"My Irish grandfather had a generosity of spirit, love of life and a gregarious nature that is reflected in the character of the father, although my grandfather did not speak with a brogue," Berg said.

"For the sisters, I was thinking of my mother and her relationships with her five sisters, who have always been living examples of the great love that can exist among sisters and in a large family."

Berg said her father and uncles, who lived during that time, also inspired her.

"What was strongest for me in writing the book was the deep appreciation for the sacrifices that were made on the fighting front, but also on the home front," Berg said. "I really think they were the greatest generation, and this book is my tribute to them."

Trying to hold the home front together was not easy, as the book's mother character frequently reminds her family.

Slogans such as "Use it all, wear it out, make it do, or do without" told Americans their country's needs were more important than their individual comfort. Rationing gas, nylons, sugar, meat, butter and coffee meant limited consumer purchases dictated by war ration books and tokens.

All of those things will be discussed in "Life on the Home Front," Jackie Jefferson's presentation at 7 p.m. April 14 at the Hinsdale Public Library.

Most of the book's story takes place between 1942-44 in Chicago. Readers will recognize references to the Empire Room at the Palmer House, Union Station, Marshall Field's, Great Lakes and Bushman, the gorilla.

At the LaGrange Park Library, The Chicago Architecture Foundation will discuss famous tall buildings in Chicago at 7 p.m. April 28.

Looking in-depth at that era, actress Pamela Welcome will portray Rosie the Riverter at 2 p.m. April 19 at the Woodridge Library; actors on old-time radio will re-create "The Jack Benny Program" and "Fibber McGee and Molly" at 7 p.m. April 15 at the Downers Grove Library; and historian Lawrence Stern will look at the presidency of Harry S. Truman at 7 p.m. March 25 at Clarendon Hills Public Library and 7 p.m. April 16 at Indian Prairie Public Library.

Participants will be able to step back in time when they attend the movie "The Best Years of Our Lives" at 2 and 7 p.m. April 9 at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove.

Berg's novel is crammed with historical details about when people licked stamps and wore galoshes. Elevators had operators, doctors made house calls and a bowl perched on a kid's head delineated where to cut his hair.

The story's three sisters are keen on music and dancing with soldiers at the USO. Library patrons can learn to jitterbug, lindy hop and swing at 7 p.m. April 10, 3 p.m. April 17 and 7 p.m. April 24 at the Lisle Library. The Big Band era will jive with The Chicago Skyliners at 2 p.m. April 27, also at the Lisle Library.

At LaGrange Public Library at 7 p.m. April 8, World War II Navy veteran David Baruch will give his firsthand account of the attack of the USS Franklin in the Pacific Ocean in 1945. Period weaponry will be the subject at 2 p.m. April 5 at the Westmont Public Library.

Berg herself will discuss her work at 7 p.m. May 8 at the Ashton Place in Willowbrook. Registration to hear her speak begins April 16 by calling (630) 960-1200.

There is a limit of 1,000 free tickets for patrons of participating libraries. More programs are listed at www.thebigread.org.